What is the role of a defense attorney?

The role of a defense attorney is primarily to represent and defend individuals who have been accused of crimes in legal proceedings. This involves advocating for the rights of the accused, ensuring they receive a fair trial, and providing them with legal counsel throughout the judicial process. The defense attorney works to challenge the prosecution's case, present evidence in favor of the defendant, and navigate the complex legal framework to achieve the best possible outcome for their client, which could be an acquittal, reduced charges, or mitigating circumstances in sentencing.

The alternative options describe other roles within the legal system that are separate from the responsibilities of a defense attorney. For example, the prosecution's role is to bring charges against individuals accused of crimes, while providing legal advice to victims involves supporting those who have been harmed, and assisting the police in investigations relates to law enforcement duties rather than the defense of accused individuals. Each of these tasks is crucial but distinct from the defense attorney’s primary function of advocating for the accused in court.